I 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  hook 

Because  it  has  heen  said 
" Sver'thmg  comes  t'  him  who  waits 

Except  a  loaned  hook." 


AvFRY  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
(ill  I  orSr.YMOUR  B.  Durst  Old  York  iJim  xRY 


I 


I 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/messagefromgoverOOnewy 


THE 

MESSAGE 

FROM  THE 

OOTERTirOR 

TO  THE 

Liegis\at\\ve  of  iTae  State  of  Xew-\ovk, 

ON  THE  OPENING  OF  THE  SESSION, 
JANUARY  3,  1826. 

ALBANY : 

PillNTED  BY  JOHN  B.  VAN  ST££irB£Ui>l£ 
1826, 


MESSAGE. 


Fellow  Citizens  of  the  Senate, 

and  of  the  Assembly  : 

The  blessings  of  Divine  Providence  still  rest  upon  our  country  : 
Peace,  libert)-  and  plenty  continue  to  shed  their  auspicious  influ- 
ence over  the  land,  and  every  man  may  sit  down  under  his  own 
vine  and  under  his  own  fig  tree,  and  there  is  none  to  make  him 
afraid.  The  exertions  of  agriculture  have  been  rewarded  with 
abundant  harvests  :  The  skill  and  ingenuity  of  our  mechanics  and 
manufacturers  have  received  liberal  and  merited  encouragement. 
Internal  trade  was  never  more  flourishing,  and  every  sea  witnes- 
ses the  enterprising  spirit  of  our  commerce.  We  have  been  ex- 
empt from  those  malignant  diseases  which  in  various  shapes  fre- 
quently occur  in  new  settlements,  and  sometimes  scourge  our  ma- 
ritime  ciiies,  and  good  health  with  its  attendant  blessings  !,as  ge- 
nerally prevailed.  The  cause  of  useful  knowledge  is  daily  gain- 
ing ground,  and  the  advantages  of  education  are  duly  appreciated 
and  generally  diffused.  Notwithstanding  immense  emigrations  to 
the  fertile  and  wide  spread  regions  of  the  west,  our  population  is 
in  a  state  of  rapid  advancement.  In  every  direction  we  perceive 
the  prominent  indications  of  beneficial  improvement  and  growing 
prosperity  ;  the  erection  of  houses,  of  academies,  of  churches, 
and  of  other  usefid  edifices — the  expansion  of  old,  and  the  crea- 
tion of  new  towns  and  cities  ;  an  animated  attention  to  the  pro- 
motion of  agriculture,  and  an  increased  disposition  to  cherish  use- 
ful inventions  and  to  patronise  the  facilities  of  beneficial  commu- 
nication. And  we  also  experience  the  disappearance  in  a  great 
degree  of  those  agitations  and  convulsions  which  formerly  disturb- 
ed our  tranquillity,  and  we  recognise  a  magnanimous  spirit  of  con- 
ciliation and  harmony,  which  appears  to  grow  with  the  growth  and 
strengthen  with  the  strength  of  our  beloved  country 

The  distresses  which  at  present  afflict  our  commercial  cities, 
and  which  are  extending  into  the  interior,  have  arisen  from  cau- 
ses, that  will  sometimes  occur  in  the  most  prosperous  communi- 
ties, and  which  being  temporary  in  their  nature  and  transient  in 
their  character,  cannot  exist  for  any  considerable  period  of  time. 
These  mercantile  convulsions,  however  afflicting  to  individuals,  or 
alarming  to  the  public,  rarely  make  serious  impressions  on  the  ge- 
neral prosperity.  In  every  community  blessed  with  freedom  and 
intelligence,  there  is  a  sustaining  and  redeeming  power,  which 
soon  invigorates  the  tone  of  public  confidence,  and  remedies  the 


4 


mischiers  of  cupidity,  the  miscalculations  of  enterprise,  and  the  ex- 
cesses of  an  adventuring  spirit. 

While  this  flourishing  condition  of  the  state  is  calculated  to  eli- 
cit our  gratitude  to  the  Almighty  Dispenser  of  all  good,  it  must  at  the 
same  time,  admonish  you  of  your  high  responsibilities.  Bound,  as 
you  are,  to  the  community,  by  the  double  connection  of  citizent 
and  legislators,  your  duties  cannot  be  faithfully  fulfilled  in  either 
character,  without  an  entire  devotion  to  those  interests  that  are 
identified  vi^ith  the  prosperity  and  the  glory  of  our  country. 

The  first  duty  of  government,  and  the  surest  evidence  of  good 
government,  is  the  encouragement  of  education.  A  general  diffu- 
sion of  knowledge  is  the  precursor  and  protector  of  republican 
institutions  ;  and  in  it  we  must  confide  as  the  conversative  power 
that  will  watch  over  our  liberties,  and  guard  them  against  fraud, 
intrigue,  corruption  and  violence.  In  early  infancy,  education 
may  be  usefully  administered.  In  some  parts  of  Great  Britain, 
infant  schools  have  been  successfully  established,  comprising  chil- 
dren from  two  to  six  years  of  age,  whose  tempers,  hearts  and 
minds  are  ameliorated,  and  whose  indigent  parents  are  enabled  by 
these  means,  to  devote  themselves  to  labor  without  interruption  or 
uneasiness.  Institutions  of  this  kind  are  only  adapted  to  a  dense 
population,  and  must  be  left  to  the  guardianship  of  private  benev- 
olence. Our  common  schools  embrace  children  from  five  to  fif- 
teen years  old,  and  continue  to  increase  and  prosper.  The  ap- 
propriations for  last  year  from  the  school  fund  amount  to  ^80,- 
670,  and  an  equivalent  sum  is  also  raised  by  taxation  in  the  seve- 
ral school  districts,  and  is  applied  in  the  same  way.  The  capital 
or  fund  is  <J  1,330,000,  which  will  be  in  a  state  of  rapid  augment- 
ation from  sales  of  the  public  lands  and  other  sources.  And  it  is 
well  ascertained  that  more  than  420,000  children  have  been  taught 
in  our  common  schools  during  the  last  year.  The  sum  distributed 
by  the  state  is  now  too  small,  and  the  general  fund  can  well  war-^ 
rant  an  augmentation  to  ^120,000  annually. 

An  important  change  has  taken  place  in  the  free  schools  of  New- 
York.  By  an  arrangement  between  the  corporation  of  that  city 
and  the  trustees  of  the  free  school  society,  these  establishments 
are  to  be  converted  into  public  schools,  to  admit  the  children  of 
the  rich  as  well  as  of  the  poor,  and  by  this  annihilation  of  facti- 
tious distinctions,  there  will  be  a  strong  incentive  for  the  display 
of  talents,  and  a  felicitious  accommodation  to  the  genius  of  republi- 
can government.  In  these  seminaries,  the  monitorial  system  has 
been  always  used,  and  it  has  in  other  institutions  been  applied  with 
complete  swccess  to  the  high  branches  of  education. 

Our  system  of  instruction,  with  all  its  numerous  benefits,  is  still 
however  susceptible  of  great  improvement.  Ten  years  of  the 
life  of  a  child  may  now  be  spent  in  a  common  school.  In  two 
years  the  elements  of  instruction  may  be  acquired,  and  the  re- 
maining eight  yeare  must  either  be  spent  ipf  rep^titioij  or  in  i^le- 


ness,  unless  the  teachers  of  common  schools  are  competent  to  in- 
struct in  the  higher  branches  of  knowledge.  The  outlines  of 
geography,  algebra,  mineralogy,  agricultural  chemistry,  mechan- 
ical philosophy,  surveying,  geometry,  astronomy,  political  econo- 
my, and  ethics,  might  be  communicated  in  that  period  of  time  by 
able  preceptors,  without  essential  interference  with  the  calls  of 
domestic  industry.  The  vocation  of  a  teacher,  in  its  influence  up- 
on the  characters  and  destinies  of  the  rising  and  all  future  genera- 
tions, has  either  not  been  sufficiently  understood  or  duly  estimated. 
It  is  or  ought  to  be  ranked  among  the  learned  professions.  With 
a  full  admission  of  the  merits  of  several  who  now  officiate  in  that 
capacity,  still  it  must  be  conceded  that  the  information  of  many  of 
the  instructors  of  our  common  schools,  does  not  extend  beyond 
rudimental  education  ; — -that  our  expanding  population  requires 
constant  accessions  to  their  numbers,  and  that  to  realize  these 
views,  it  is  necessary  that  some  new  plan  for  obtaining  able  teach- 
er*, should  be  devised  :  I  therefore  recommend  a  seminary  for 
the  education  of  teachers  in  the  monitorial  system  of  instruction, 
and  in  those  useful  branches  of  knowledge  which  are  proper  to 
engraft  on  elementary  attainments.  A  compliance  with  this  re- 
commendation will  have  the  most  benign  influence  on  individual 
happiness  and  social  prosperity.  To  break  down  the  barriers 
which  poverty  has  erected  against  the  acquisition  and  dispensa- 
tion of  knowledge,  is  to  restore  the  just  equilibrium  of  society, 
and  to  perform  a  duty  of  indispensable  and  paramount  obligation  : 
And  under  this  impression,  I  also  recommend  that  gratuitous  pro- 
vision be  made  for  the  education  in  our  superior  seminaries,  of  in- 
digent, talented  and  meritorious  youth. 

I  consider  the  system  of  our  common  schools  as  the  palladium 
of  our  freedom  ;  for  no  reasonable  apprehension  can  be  entertain- 
ed of  its  subversion,  as  long  as  the  great  body  of  the  people  arc 
enlightened  by  education.  To  increase  the  funds,  to  extend  the 
benefits,  and  to  remedy  the  defects  of  this  excellent  syitem,  is 
worthy  of  your  most  deliberate  attention.  The  officer  who  now 
30  ably  presides  over  that  department,  is  prevented  by  other  offi- 
cial duties  from  visiting  our  schools  in  person,  nor  is  he  indeed 
clothed  with  this  power.  A  visitatorial  authority  for  the  purpose 
of  detecting  abuses  in  the  application  of  the  funds,  of  examining 
into  the  modes  and  plans  of  instruction,  and  of  suggesting  improve- 
ments, would  unquestionably  be  attended  with  the  most  propitious 
effects. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  state  that  our  literary  colleges  continue 
to  deserve  high  praise  and  munificent  encouragement.  The  infant 
college  of  Geneva,  which  is  in  a  promising  state  and  under  able  su- 
perintendence, has  never  experienced  the  public  bounty.  As  the 
establishment  of  an  institution  of  this  kind  imposes  an  obligation  to 
make  suitable  provision  for  its  support,  I  presume  that  you  will  not 
hesitate  to  take  it  un^er  your  liberal  patronage.    I  regret  to  state 


6 


that,  owing  to  intestine  divisions,  the  medical  college  in  New- York 
has  not  exhibited,  this  season,  that  increasing  prosperity  which 
might  reasonably  be  expected  from  the  high  endowments  and  ac- 
knowledged abilities  of  its  professors.  The  other  medical  college 
at  Fairfield,  under  the  guidance  of  talented  and  learned  men,  is 
now  in  a  flourishing  condition.  The  charter  of  the  Historical  So- 
ciety of  New-York  has  expired,  and  its  finances  are  in  a  state  of 
great  depression.  Its  collections  of  books,  manuscripts,  medals 
and  maps,  illustrative  of  the  antiquities  and  history  of  our  country, 
are  very  valuable,  and  ought  to  be  preserved  for  the  public  benefit. 
The  resuscitation  of  this  society,  and  a  liberal  provision  for  its 
extended  usefulness,  are  measures  worthy  of  your  adoption.  I 
cannot  recommend  in  terms  too  strong  or  impressive,  as  munificent 
appropriations  as  the  faculties  of  the  state  will  authorize,  for  all 
the  institutions  to  which  I  have  referred,  and  all  other  estabhsh- 
ments  connected  with  the  interests  of  education,  the  exaltation  of 
hterature  and  science,  and  the  improvement  of  the  human  mind. 

in  1818,  I  had  the  pleasure  to  congratulate  the  legislature  on 
the  auspicious  commencement  and  successful  progress  of  the  con- 
templated water  communications  between  the  great  western  and 
northern  lakes  and  the  Atlantic  Ocean  ;  and  I  now  have  the  pecu- 
liar gratification  to  felicitate  you  on  their  completion.  On  the 
26th  of  Ootober  last,  the  western  canal  was  in  a  navigable  state, 
and  vessels  passed  from  Lake  Erie  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  In  about 
8  years,  artificial  communications,  near  428  miles  in  length  have 
been  opened — to  the  Hudson  River  from  Lake  Champlain  by  the 
northern  canal — to  Lake  Ontario  by  the  Oswego  River  and  the 
western  canal,  and  to  Lake  Erie  and  the  other  western  lakes 
by  the  latter  canal — thus  affording  an  extent  of  inland  navigation 
unparalleled  in  the  experience  of  mankind.  The  expense  of  these 
works  and  of  some  auxihary,  connected  and  incidental  operations, 
amounts  to  §9,130,373  83-100,  exclusive  of  interest  paid  on 
loans.    The  canal  debt  is  as  follows  : 

g4, 624,270  99-100  at  5  per  cent. 
3,2 n, 500  at  6  per  cent. 


Total,  7,737,770  99-100, 
The  annual  interest  of  which  is  ^419,023  65.  The  sum  of 
§270,000  of  the  six  per  cent,  stock  is  reimbursable  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  state  after  the  first  day  of  October,  and  the  remainder  of  the 
debt  after  the  first  day  of  July  1837  and  1845.  The  amount  of 
tolls  received  this  year  has  not  been  exactly  ascertained,  but  it 
will  not  fill  short  of  half  a  million.  The  whole  train  of  events  as- 
sociated with  these  works,  and  the  auspicious  consequences  that 
have  accrued,  demonstrate  the  energy  of  a  free  and  intelligent 
people,  and  their  ability  as  well  as  disposition  to  do  gootl.  The 
spirit  of  internal  improvement  continues  in  full  power  with  us,  and 


%  7 


lias  extended  itself  to  other  states  ;  and  it  is  to  be  sincerely  hoped 
that  all  its  movements  and  operations  will  be  attended  with  distin- 
guished and  numerous  blessings.  The  reflections  which  naturally 
grow  out  of  this  occasion  are  of  immense  importanee  to  the  public 
interests.  In  the  first  place,  our  attention  must  be  fixed  on  the 
prompt  extinguishment  of  the  debt.  This  is  a  duty  enjoined  upon 
us  by  the  constitution,  by  every  consideration  of  policy,  and  by 
every  dictate  of  patriotism.  It  is  obvious  that  the  work  will  in  a 
few  years  pay  for  itself,  or  in  other  words,  that  the  income  will 
defray  the  expense  of  erection.  The  auction  and  the  salt  duties, 
and  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  land,  together  with  the  excess  of 
the  income  of  tolls  beyond  the  interest  of  the  debt,  will  certainly 
exceed  ^400,00u,  this  year,  which  may  be  applied  to  the  payment 
in  part  of  the  loans.  The  sum  reimbursable  in  October  next  can 
either  be  discharged  from  that  source,  or  exchanged  for  an  interest 
of  five  per  cent.  You  will,  I  am  confident,  perceive  the  necessity 
of  making  full  and  comprehensive  arrangements,  whereby  your  in- 
dispensable obligations  in  this  respect  may  be  effectually  fulfilled, 
and  a  more  economical  system  of  expenditure  established.  It  is 
evident  that  there  are  defects  in  the  works,  which  require  reme- 
dies, and  that  there  are  improvements  and  additions  which  ought 
to  be  made.  The  low  bridges  are  a  cause  of  universal  complaint, 
and  have  occasioned  the  loss  of  several  valuable  lives.  They  not 
only  greatly  diminish  the  convenience  of  travelling,  but  will  in  a 
considerable  degree  impede  the  transit  of  cotton  and  some  of  the 
products  of  our  own  soil.  The  banks  of  the  canals,  which  in  some 
places  are  continually  wearing  away,  require  protection  ;  and  all 
who  have  witnessed  the  increase  of  transportation  must  admit  that 
in  a  short  time  a  double  set  of  locks,  and  perhaps  a  canal  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Mohawk  from  Utica,  eastward,  will  be  required. 
The  feeder  at  Glen's  Falls  ought  to  be  completed.  This  work  is 
in  a  state  of  considerable  forwardness,  and  will  be  useful  as  a  canal, 
particularly  for  the  transportation  of  lumber  ;  and  in  case  any  se- 
rious disaster  should  happen  to  the  Great  Dam  at  Fort  Edward,  it 
would  afford  an  abundant  supply  of  water  to  the  Champlain  canal, 
which  would  otherwise  be  destitute  of  it. 

The  auspicious  consummation  of  the  canals  naturally  called  forth 
universal  expressions  of  joy,  not  from  a  spirit  of  ostentation  or  va- 
nity, but  from  a  conviction  that  the  moral  impression  would  have  a 
most  felicitous  effect  in  keeping  alive  a  noble  spirit  of  improve- 
ment, in  promoting  other  undertakiugs,  and  in  elevating  the  cha- 
racter of  the  state.  During  the  celebration  of  this  auspicious  event, 
Ihe  lives  of  two  worthy  citizens,  without  any  imprudence  on  their 
part,  were  destroyed  by  the  explosion  of  a  cannon  in  Cayuga  county, 
and  they  have  left,  as  I  am  informed,  helpless  and  destitute  fami- 
lies. I  submit  it  to  you,  whether  the  beneficence  of  the  state  might 
not  be  worthily  dispensed  to  the  forlorn  widows  and  orphan  chil' 
dftn  of  these  unfortunate  men. 


f 


In  considering  the  improvements  of  an  analogous  character 
which  ouj^ht  to  be  attempted,  it  will  be  found  that  they  relate  prin- 
cipally to  navigable  communications  between  the  Susquehannah, 
St.  Lawrence  and  Allegany  rivers  and  the  Erie  canal.  There  are 
others  undoubtedly  of  great  moment,  which  merit  particular  at- 
tention. The  surveys  and  estimates  required  by  the  "  act  to  pro- 
vide for  the  surveys  of  certain  canal  routes  therein  mentioned,'* 
will  shed  light  on  this  subject  and  illustrate  the  claims  of  most  of 
the  contemplated  canals  to  your  countenance,  which  will  of  course, 
in  proportion  to  their  relative  importance,  receive  a  support  only 
limited  by  their  essential  requirements,  by  the  public  resources, 
and  by  the  indispensable  demands  of  other  important  objects. 

Under  the  act  concerning  the  Erie  and  Chunplain  canals," 
passed  the  20th  April,  1825,  two  commissioners  were  appointed  to 
co-operate  with  one  of  the  acting  canal  commissioners,  for  the  ap- 
praisement of  all  unsatisfied  damages  that  may  have  been  sustain- 
ed by  the  construction  of  the  canals  ;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  this 
measure,  so  imperiously  required  by  a  due  regard  to  the  rights  of 
property  aud  by  a  sense  of  public  justice,  will  be  brought  to  a 
prompt  and  satisfactory  termination. 

It  has  sometimes  been  thought  expedient  to  combine  with  grants 
or  authorizations  for  enterprises  deemed  to  be  beneficial  to  the 
conmiunity,  certain  indulgences  or  privileges,  as  a  reward  to  the 
undertakers  and  as  an  encouragement  to  the  undertakings  ;  and  it 
is  apprehended,  that  in  some  cases  the  end  has  been  sacrificed  to 
the  means,  and  that  the  primary  object  has  been  overlooked  for 
subordinate  considerations.  I  am  gratified  in  saying  that  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  company  incorporated  for  making  a  narigable  com- 
munication between  the  Hudson  and  Delaware  rivers  have  been 
marked  by  a  different  spirit,  and  have  been  distinguished  for  good 
faith.  The  whole  extent  of  this  proposed  work  is  about  114 
miles,  and  65  miles  are  already  under  contract  and  in  a  state  of 
considerable  progress,  and  more  work  has  been  performed  on  it 
than  was  done  on  the  Erie  canal  the  first  year,  although  the  latter 
was  begun  much  earlier  in  the  season.  This  communication  will 
be  very  important  for  the  supply  of  anthracite  coal  and  other  use- 
ful minerals,  lumber  and  other  products  of  the  fertile  regions  with 
which  it  will  have  connexion.  In  looking  at  the  m;ip  of  the  state 
and  observing  the  extent  of  the  Delaware  river,  and  the  use  made 
of  it  for  descending  navigation  above  the  point  where  it  unites 
with  this  canal,  and  then  viewing  the  near  approach  of  the  Sus- 
quehannah  river  to  the  Delaware  at  the  Great  Bend,  and  consid- 
ering the  facilities  which  this  work  will  give  to  the  population  of 
our  southern  counties  contiguous  to  the  Pennsylvania  hne  for  trade 
with  our  commercial  emporium,  I  cannot  but  felicitate  you  on  its 
progress.  The  success  of  this  measure  will,  I  hope,  induce  you 
to  look  with  a  favourable  eye  on  the  proposed  union  of  the  Great 
Bays  of  Long  Island — a  measure  vastly  important  to  our  popula- 


• 


♦  9 

non  in  that  quarter  and  io  the  city  of  New-York.  But  all  future 
grants  to  associations  for  public  undertakings,  coupled  with  en- 
couraging provisions  for  individual  emolument,  ought  to  be  so 
framed  as  to  preclude  the  evasions  of  cupidity,  and  to  coerce  an 
entire  compliance  with  the  intentions  of  the  legislature 

It  is  impossible  to  reflect  on  the  proposed  canals  of  Ohio  with- 
out appreciating  their  important  connexion  with  the  interests  of 
this  state,  with  the  stability  of  the  union,  and  with  the  general 
prosperity.  On  the  4th  of  July  last,  a  canal  from  the  Ohio  river 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto  to  Cleaveland,  on  Lake  Erie  was  be- 
gun, and  is  to  be  306  miles  in  length  ;  another  one  from  Cincinnati 
to  Dayton  60  miles  long  is  also  commenced.  These  works  are  in 
a  prosperous  way,  under  the  guidance  of  very  able  boards  of  con- 
struction and  of  finance,  and  sanctioned  by  the  favorable  judgment 
and  general  support  of  a  moral  and  intelligent  people.  Ample 
provision  has  been  made  for  the  payment  of  interest  on  loans,  and 
for  the  reimbursement  of  principal,  and  I  am  confident  that  no  in- 
vestments of  capital  can  be  made  with  better  security  and  with 
more  certainty  of  punctual  repayment.  Kentucky  has  incorpora- 
ted a  company  with  liberal  grants  and  privileges  for  making  a  ca- 
nal round  the  falls  of  the  Ohio  river  at  Louisville,  and  this  opera- 
tion is  going  on  under  respectable  auspices.  Illinois  has  authori- 
*5ed  an  artificial  navigation  between  the  river  of  that  name  and 
Lake  Michigan,  under  very  encouraging  circumstances  ;  and  other 
projects  for  uniting  the  Great  Lakes  of  the  West  with  the  waters 
that  run  into  the  Mississippi  are  in  contemplation.  When  we  con- 
sider that  these  communications  will  secure  to  our  commercial 
emporium  a  great  portion  of  the  trade  of  the  valley  of  the  Missis- 
sippi and  the  neighbouring  regions,  and  that  the  great  canal  of 
Ohio  in  particular,  will  be  finished  in  three  or  four  years,  and  is 
in  fact  a  continuation  or  prolongation  of  the  Erie  canal  through  a 
most  fertile  and  productive  region,  destined  io  a  short  time  to  be 
one  of  the  most  populous  and  flourishing  states  of  the  confedera- 
cy, we  cannottoo  highly  estimate  their  importance,  nor  too  liberal- 
ly extend  all  the  encouragement  in  our  power. 

As  the  canals  which  have  been  constructed  terminate  in  the 
Hudson  river  near  the  head  of  tide  water,  it  is  essential  as  well 
on  that  account  as  for  many  other  considerations,  that  there  should 
be  a  good  navigation  for  vessels  of  large  burden  to  the  towns  and 
cities  on  the  upper  waters  of  that  river.  It  is  now  well  under- 
stood that  transhipments  of  descending  articles  will  be  made  at 
those  places  from  canal  to  river  vessels,  and  that  the  reverse  will 
be  adopted  in  relation  to  ascending  commodities  ;  and  this  im- 
pression is  confirmed  from  the  facilities  introduced  into  Great  Bri- 
tain for  transhipping  articles  usually  transported  in  bulk,  and  which 
will  no  doubt  be  followed  by  other  improved  inventions  of  a  simi- 
lar nature.  The  removal  of  the  obstructions  to  the  navigation 
arising  from  the  formation  of  bars  and  shallows,  has  heretofore  re- 
2 


iO 


ceived  the  aid  of  the  legislature,  and  I  recommend  the  whole  sub- 
ject, in  all  its  attitudes,  presentations,  bearings  and  relations,  to 
your  most  deliberate  consideration,  under  a  full  persuasion  that 
you  will  decide  with  wisdom  and  act  with  energy  in  a  case  so  deep- 
ly interesting  to  our  inland  cities  and  villages,  our  internal  trade, 
and  agricultural,  manufacturing  and  commercial  prosperity. 

The  harbor  of  New-York  has  been  generally  considered,  on  ac- 
count of  its  vicinity  to  the  ocean,  and  its  secure  and  spacious  ac- 
commodations, among  the  best  in  the  world — and  the  importance 
of  maintaining  it  in  an  excellent  condition,  is  greatly  increased  by 
the  co-operation  of  an  immense  inland  trade,  with  a  most  exten- 
sive external  commerce  :  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  wisdom 
and  foresight  of  the  respectable  municipal  authorities  will  allay 
the  apprehensions  which  many  worthy  citizens  entertain  on  that 
account,  from  the  augmented  velocit}^  of  the  tides,  produced  by 
erections  in  the  river,  and  any  salutary  measures  that  require 
your  sanction,  will,  I  am  certain,  receive  it. 

By  virtue  of  the  "  act  to  provide  for  the  survey  of  a  land  com- 
munication between  Lake  Erie  and  the  Hudson  river,"  Nathan- 
iel Pitcher  of  the  county  of  Washington,  Jabez  D.  Hammond,  of 
the  city  of  Albany,  and  George  Mori  ell  of  the  county  of  Otsego, 
were  appointed  State  Road  Commissioners,  with  authority  to  ex- 
plore and  survey  the  various  routes  for  a  good  road  from  Lake 
Erie  to  the  Hudson  River  ;  and  between  the  route  of  the  Erie  ca- 
nal and  the  Pennsylvania  line.  It  is  understood  that  they  have 
been  sedulously  employed  in  this  investigation  during  a  great  part 
of  the  last  season  :  and  that  their  report  will  be  prepared  and 
presented  as  soon  as  the  arduous  and  complicated  enquiries  and 
examinations  which  it  necessarily  involves,  will  permit.  I  am 
more  and  more  impressed  with  the  importance  of  this  project ;  and 
from  the  information  which  1  have  acquired  since  its  suggestion, 
and  from  a  personal  knowledge  of  the  general  physiognomy  of 
the  country,  I  am  firmly  convinced  that  it  is  practicable,  that  it  can 
be  constructed  at  a  moderate  expense,  and  that  it  will  be  produc- 
tive of  incalculable  benefit  to  a  very  considerable  portion  of  our 
population,  which  cannot,  from  its  remote  and  sequestered  posi- 
tion, participate  in  the  advantages  of  our  artificial  navigation. — 
I  hope,  therefore,  that  no  considerations  of  economy,  no  personal 
views,  no  local  interests,  no  conflicting  plans,  will  prevent  you 
from  carrying  this  measure  into  complete  effect,  so  as  to  realize 
the  contemplated  object  in  the  most  effectual  manner,  by  subserv- 
ing the  best  interests  of  the  greatest  number  ;  and  I  trust  that  no 
differences  will  arise  on  this  question,  which  cannot  be  reconciled 
by  an  accommodating  spirit,  seeking  the  general  gratification  and 
counselling  the  general  good. 

As  connected  with  this  subject,  permit  me  to  suggest  another 
improvement,  which  has  an  interesting  bearing  on  the  accommo- 


dation  of  a  considerable  population  in  the  vicinity  of  the  northern 
lakes.  It  is  well  known  that  tlie  roads  in  that  quarter,  are  ex- 
tremely defective,  and  that  there  is  in  flict  no  good  communication 
by  land  from  the  northern  parts  of  the  state,  along  and  near  those 
lakes  to  the  Hudson  river.  It  is  conteuiplated  to  construct  a  great 
road  in  that  region  to  terminate  at  Sandy  Hill  or  Fort  Edward  ;  and 
it  is  certainly  an  object  worthy  of  your  favorable  interposition. 

I  have  at  various  times  solicited  the  attention  of  the  legislature 
to  the  encouragement  of  Agriculture,  the  first  and  best  pursuit  of 
man  ;  and  which,  in  its  two-fold  character,  as  an  art  or  a  science, 
is  susceptible  of  great  improvement,  and  demands  and  deserves 
your  fostering  patronage.  As  this  great  department  of  human  in- 
dustry is  under  the  special  cognizance  of  the  state  governments,  it 
is  peculiarly  incumbent  on  them  to  devote  their  utmost  attention 
to  its  interests.  The  most  effectual  countenance  that  can  be  af- 
forded, is  by  establishing  a  quick,  economical  and  sale  access  to 
good  markets  for  the  disposal  of  its  productions — and  although  this 
has  been  accomplished  to  a  great  extent,  yet  much  remains  to  be 
done.  Every  facilitation  of  the  means  of  communication  byroads 
and  canals,  is  a  premium  for  the  advancement  of  agricultural 
prosperity.  The  aid  heretofore  rendered  has  certainly  dispensed 
much  benefit ;  and  if  there  exist  insurmountable  prejudices  against 
it  in  some  places,  on  account  of  imputed  malversation  in  the  dis- 
tribution of  premiums,  or  the  supposed  inordinate  avidity  of  the 
opulent  to  obtain  them,  without  any  other  recommendation  than 
the  means  furnished  by  their  wealth  or  from  any  other  cause,  oth- 
er modes  than  those  heretofore  adopted  might  be  resorted  to  for 
cultivating  and  elevating  this  cardinal  interest.  A  wide  and  unex- 
plored field  of  improvement  lies  before  us.  Experimental  and 
pattern  farms  ;  plantations  of  useful  trees  for  ship  building,  arch- 
itecture and  fuel ;  labor-saving  machines  ;  improved  seeds  and 
plants  of  those  productions  now  raised  ;  new  modes  of  cultivation  : 
new  objects  for  cultivation,  and  the  whole  range  of  rural  econo- 
my, are  subjects  deserving  your  animating  support.  Flax,  hemp 
and  wool  are  among  our  most  valuable  productions,  and  are  essen- 
tial ingredients  in  some  of  our  most  important  manufactures.  The 
cultivation  of  the  two  firstfarticles  has  been  much  impeded  by  the 
want  of  labor-saving  machines  for  their  due  preparation — and  the 
raising  of  sheep  has  been  greatly  discouraged  by  the  depredations 
of  wolves,  foxes  and  dogs.  If  that  desideratum  were  supplied, 
and  those  evils  prevented,  there  is  little  doubt  but  that  these  pro- 
ductions would  realize  as  important  benefits  to  us,  as  are  derived 
from  the  cultivation  of  cotton  by  our  southern  brethren. 

Associations  have  been  established  in  Great  Britain  and  in  a  few 
cities  in  this  country  for  instructing  mechanics  in  the  departments 
of  science  connected  with  the  useful  arts,  and  they  have  a  most 
excellent  effect  in  developing  talent  and  stimulating  ingenuity.  The 
pu|nerous  claiois  for  new  inventions  and  discoveries  which  are  con- 


12 


•uiiitly  seeking  protection  under  patents,  when  they  are  some- 
times neither  practicable,  nor  original,  nor  beneficial,  might  be 
suitably  disposed  of  by  passing,  in  the  first  instance,  through  the 
ordeal  of  the  scientific  men  who  preside  over  or  participate  in  the 
concerns  of  our  mechanic  and  scientific  institution  ;  and  the  appro- 
priation of  an  adequate  fund  under  their  superintendence,  for  re- 
warding the  authors  of  improved  inventions,  would  have  a  ten- 
dency to  cherish  intellectual  worth,  and  to  administer  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  community. 

Although  we  are  furnished  with  excellent  anthracite  coal  from 
Pennsylvania,  at  moderate  prices,  which  will  be  lowered  when  the 
canals,  communicating  with  the  coal-beds  are  finished  ;  and  al- 
though bituminous  coal  of  the  best  quality  may  be  delivered  at  Al- 
bany from  Ohio,  on  the  completion  of  its  canal,  for  little  more  than 
seven  dollars  a  chaldron,  yet  this  fossil  is  so  essential  to  domestic 
accommodation,  and  so  identified  with  the  interests  of  manufactu- 
res and  the  useful  arts,  that  we  ought  not  to  lose  sight  of  the  ad- 
vantages that  will  be  derived  from  a  multiplication  of  the  sources 
of  supply,  and  from  procuring  it  in  our  own  state.  There  are 
strong  indications  of  its  presence  in  various  places,  and  it  has  been 
confidently  alleged  that  it  has  been  detected  in  some  parts  of  our 
country.  A  vigilant  exploration  by  well  informed  men  would  in 
all  probability  not  only  develope  this  article,  but  other  useful  mi- 
nerals ;  and  the  expense  of  such  investigations  would  be  of  no  con- 
sequence when  compared  with  their  important  results. 

During  the  past  year,  ten  criminals  have  been  sentenced  to  the 
punishment  of  death — nine  for  murder,  and  one  for  arson  of  an  in- 
habited house — of  which  nine  have  been  executed,  and  the  punish- 
ment of  the  other  has  been  exchanged  for  imprisonment  for  life  in 
the  state  prison  at  Auburn  It  is  impossible  to  advert  to  the  stern 
necessity  which  imposed  this  duty  on  the  public  functionaries,  and 
to  contemplate  this  unusual  number  of  capital  punishments  pro- 
ceeding from  the  most  horrible  crimes,  without  the  most  painful 
emotions.  Besides  this,  several  other  criminals  have  been  tried 
for  homicide  and  convicted  of  manslaughter.  I  presume  that  there 
are  no  peculiar  causes  which  have  produced  this  unprecedented 
perpetration  of  atrocious  crimes,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  pre- 
sent year  may  pass  off  without  any.  In  the  revision  of  our  statutes, 
from  which  I  anticipate  great  benefit  to  the  public,  and  much  ho- 
nour to  the  authors,  it  is  very  desirable  that  the  crime  of  murder 
may  be  accurately  defined  and  distinguished  into  murder  of  the  first 
and  murder  of  the  second  degree,  and  that  the  punishment  of  death 
maybe  confined  to  the  former.  The  necessity  of  this  arrangement 
will  be  evident,when  it  is  understood  that  in  two  of  the  cases  to  which 
I  have  alluded,  the  nature  of  the  offence,  whether  murder  or  man- 
slaughter, was  a  question  of  doubt  with  some  persons  skilled  in  the 
criminal  law.  Burglary  is  in  all  cases  punishable  with  imprisonment 
for  life  in  the  atate  prison,  when  in  some  instances  it  is  but^a  slight 


%  13 


offence.  The  doctrine  of  constructive  felonies  is  involved  in  much 
obscurity,  and  requires  legislative  exposition.  The  punishments 
for  violations  of  the  act  against  forgery  and  counterfeiting,  are  ar- 
ranged without  a  due  regard  to  the  nature  of  the  offences,  and  may 
exhibit  singular  incongruities,  as  adjudged  by  different  tribunals. 
Indeed  the  whole  system  requires  careful  revision  and  considera- 
ble amelioration.  As  little  latitude  as  possible  ought  to  be  left  to 
judicial  discretion.  The  crime  ought  to  be  as  accurately  described, 
and  the  punishment  as  distinctly  declared,  as  the  wisdom  and  lan- 
guage of  man  will  permit.  Under  the  administration  of  our  present 
imperfect  code,  the  same  offence  frequently  receives  a  different 
degree  of  punishment  in  different  criminal  courts. 

During  the  recess  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  visiting  the 
state  prison  in  New- York,  and  am  gratified  in  saying  that  it  is  in  an 
excellent  condition,  and  that  the  inspectors  and  other  officers  are 
entitled  to  great  praise  for  their  able  management  of  its  impor- 
tant concerns.  The  average  number  of  prisoners  in  it  for  the  last 
year  was  575 — and  the  support  and  clothing  of  each  prisoner  cost 
^32  72.  There  is  now  a  balance  in  favor  of  this  prison  of  ^5,- 
825  '^3,  to  meet  the  expenses  of  this  year  ;  and  it  is  believed  that 
if  the  judicious  alterations  recommended  by  the  inspectors  at  the 
last  session  had  been  adopted,  the  guard  and  keepers  might  have 
been  diminished,  and  that  the  income  from  the  labor  of  the  con- 
victs might  have  met  every  expense.  The  new  state  prison  erect- 
ing at  Sing-Sing,  in  Westchester  county,  was  commenced  in  May 
last,  and  will  probably  be  finished  in  the  autumn  of  1827.  The 
materials  for  the  building,  except  iron,  are  found  on  the  spot. — 
No  wood  is  used  in  the  construction,  and  it  will  be  entirely  incom- 
bustible. The  ground  (about  130  acres)  has  cost  about  ^20,n00. 
A  great  part  of  the  work  is  done  by  convicts  who  are  secured  in 
the  nighttime  in  60  cells  already  provided.  The  principal  mate- 
rial is  excellent  marble.  I  have  not  obtained  particular  informa- 
tion of  the  other  prison  at  Auburn,  but  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  it  is  in  a  good  condition. 

The  efficacy  of  punishment  consists  in  its  certainty,  not  in  its 
severity  ;  and  I  have  therefore  endeavoured  io  exercise  the  par- 
doning po  V  er  with  a  view  to  this  policy.  I  do  not  recollect  a  sin- 
gle instance  where  pardons  have  been  granted  without  evidence 
of  good  behaviour  in  prison,  and  without  the  recommendation  of 
district  attornies,  courts  or  inspectors  ;  and  I  believe  that  in  every 
case  considerable  punishment  had  been  previously  inflicted.  In 
such  an  immense  and  growing  population,  there  will  be  an  in- 
crease of  crimes,  and  the  inefficacy  of  our  penitentiary  system 
must  not  therefore  be  inferred  from  it.  There  is  every  reason  to 
believe,  that  under  the  former  sanguinary  code  offenders  would 
have  been  more  numerous,  from  the  difficulty  of  procuring  their 
conviction  and  bringing  them  to  punishment.  Pardons,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  inspectors,  are  sometimes  merited  by  a  course  of 


14 


good  conduct,  and  at  other  times  are  rendered  proper  atter  suffi- 
cient suffering.  After  satisfactory  evidence  of  reformation,  they 
have  a  salutary  influence  on  the  conduct  of  the  prisoners  in  gene- 
ra!. A  confinement  of  several  years  in  a  state  prison  generally 
impairs  the  healths,  semetimes  destroys  the  constitutions  of  the 
unhappy  subjects  ;  and  in  many  instances  a  continuance  would 
amount  to  the  punishment  of  death,  when  it  was  not  intended,  and 
when  it  ought  not  to  be  inflicted.  In  cases  of  this  kind,  it  is  due  to 
the  best  feelings  of  our  nature,  and  it  is  demanded  by  the  voice  of 
justice  to  extend  the  hand  of  mercy. 

The  best  penitentiary  institution  which  has  ever  been  devised 
by  the  wit,  and  established  by  the  beneficence  of  man,  is  in  all 
probability  the  House  of  Refuge  in  the  city  of  New-York  for  the 
reformation  of  juvenile  delinquents.  It  takes  cognizance  of  vice- 
in  its  embryo  state,  and  redeems  from  ruin  an.i  sends  forth  for  use 
fulness  those  depraved  and  unfortunate  youth,  who  are  sometimes 
in  a  derelict  state,  sometimes  without  subsistence,  and  at  all  times 
without  friends  to  guide  them  in  the  paths  of  virtue.  The  tenden- 
cy of  this  noble  charity  is  preventive  as  well  as  remedial  ;  and 
during  the  short  period  of  its  existence,  its  salutary  power  has 
been  felt  and  acknowledged  in  the  haunts  of  vice,  and  in  the  di- 
minution of  our  criminal  proceedings.  I  cannot  recommend  its 
further  encouragement  in  language  too  emphatic  ;  and  I  do  believe, 
if  this  asylum  were  extended  so  as  to  comprehend  juvenile  offen- 
ders from  all  parts  of  the  state,  that  the  same  preserving,  reclaim- 
ing and  reforming  effects  would  be  correspondently  experienced. 

The  state  of  the  militia  has  not  materially  varied  since  my  last 
annual  communication  ;  and  I  know  of  no  important  improvements 
necessary  to  engraft  into  our  existing  code.  I  have  every  reason 
to  be  gratified  with  the  prevailing  spirit,  and  with  the  general  dis- 
position of  this  useful  and  respectable  body  of  our  fellow-citizens, 
to  improve  themselves  in  military  knowledge  and  discipline,  and 
to  render  their  country  service  when  necessary. 

I  have  frequently  been  called  on  for  the  loan  from  the  arsenals, 
of  musket"::,  rifles,  and  other  implements  for  the  accommodation  of 
new-raised  corps  ;  but  not  having  express  authority  for  the  pur- 
pose, I  have  in  every  instance  declined  interference. 

There  are  about  200  companies  of  horse  and  field  artillery,  and 
they  are  provided  with  only  158  pieces  of  artillery  :  allowing 
but  one  piece  to  each  company,  there  is  consequently  a  deficien- 
cy of  42.  There  are  several  artillery  companies  totally  unpro- 
vided •,  and  there  are  now  70  applications  to  the  commissary  ge- 
neral for  a  supply,  which  of  course  cannot  be  fiirnished.  There 
are  12  brass  and  iron  field  pieces  in  the  ai-senal  not  mounted  :  di- 
rections for  that  purpose,  and  for  procuring  30  new  one?,  would 
be  very  useful  and  accommrdating  to  that  important  branch  of  our 
militia. 

The  iniipbitants  of  Putnam  county,,  to  a  great  extent,  derive 


their  titles  to  their  farms  from  confiscated  property  sold  by  the 
authority  of  the  state.  Il  is  understood  that  there  is  an  adverse 
claim,  and  that  the  death  of  an  individual  in  England  has  removed  all 
obstacles  to  its  assertion.  In  this  crisis,  involving  the  interests  of 
a  numerous,  industrious  and  meritorious  population,  it  is  your 
bounden  duty  to  take  prompt  and  decisive  measures  for  their  in- 
deumification  and  protection.  I  learn  that  the  claimants  have  no 
disposition  to  resort  to  any  other  measure  than  amicable  negocia- 
lion.  I  would  therefore  suggest  whether  it  would  not  be  expedi- 
ent to  constitute  a  board  ot  able  jurists,  with  power  to  inquire  in- 
to the  validity  of  the  adverse  title  ;  and,  if  in  their  opinion  it 
should  be  valid,  to  institute  a  negociation,  and  to  enter  into  an  ar- 
rangement for  its  complete  extinguishment,  subject  however  to  the 
ratification  of  the  legislature  ;  and  that  the  law  officers  of  the 
state  be  instructed  to  defend  the  innocent  possessors  at  the  public 
expense,  against  any  suits  that  may  be  brought.  I  feel  assured, 
that  whatever  may  occur  in  the  case,  or  grow  out  of  the  proceed- 
ings, you  will  always  save  them  harmless. 

This  state  being  now  represented  by  only  one  member  in  the 
senate  of  the  United  States,  I  solicit  your  immediate  attention  to 
the  enactment  of  a  law  providing  for  an  election  as  soon  as  the 
forms  of  legislation  will  permit ;  and  I  hope  to  see  this  vacancy 
supplied  in  a  manner  that  will  reflect  honor  on  your  discernment 
and  patriotism.  The  census  lately  taken,  affords  conclusive  evi- 
dence of  our  progressive  population,  and  furnishes  the  most  valu- 
able statistical  information.  It  is  now  necessary  to  make  a  new  ap- 
portionment of  the  representation  in  the  legislature  ;  and  on  this 
occasion  I  would  suggest,  whether  in  case  of  an  equality  of  vote? 
between  candidates  tor  legislative  seats,  or  death,  or  resignation,  it 
would  not  be  well  to  make  provisions  lor  a  new  choice. 

It  is  provided  in  the  constitution  "  that  the  governor  may  re- 
move any  sheriff",  clerk  or  register,  at  any  time  within  the  three 
years  for  which  he  shall  be  elected,  giving  to  such  sheriff',  clerk  or 
register,  a  copy  of  the  charge  against  him,  and  an  opportunity  of 
being  heard  in  his  defence,  before  any  removal  shall  be  made." 
There  is  no  authority  conferred  in  such  cases  to  compel  the  testi- 
mony of  witnesses,  in  order  to  substantiate  or  refute  the  accusa 
tions  ;  and  the  testimony  now  voluntarily  given,  has  not  the  sane- 
tion  of  n  judicial  oath  ;  and  thus  the  innocent  may  sufl'er,  or  the 
public  interest  sustain  detriment. 

The  people  of  the  United  States  have  conferred  honor  on  them- 
selves by  rendering  due  honor  to  that  distinguished  friend  of  the 
human  race,  General  La  Fayette,  during  his  auspicious  visit  to  this 
country.  While  we  are  thus  attentive  to  the  powerful  claims,  and 
grateful  for  the  distinguished  services  of  the  living  hero,  let  ns  not 
be  unmindful  of  the  illustrious  dead.  Captain  Macdonough  dis- 
tinguished himself  during  the  last  war  by  capturing  a  British  fleet 
OR  the  waters  of  this  state  :  and  at  a  most  perilous  and  eventful  pe- 


16 


riod,  protected  our  frontiers  against  invasion,  and  covered  himseli" 
with  immortal  glory.  This  state,  greatly  to  its  honor,  has  noticed 
him  favorably  in  different  ways.  The  local  government  of  the  city 
of  New-York  has  with  characteristic  good  feeling  and  public  spir- 
it, evinced  the  highest  respect  for  him  when  living,  and  which  was 
signally  manifested  after  his  death.  I  have  on  another  occasion 
publicly  and  officially  expressed  my  sense  of  his  merits,  of  his  ser- 
vices, and  of  his  demands  on  the  public  gratitude  ;  and  as  nothing 
has  since  occurred  to  change  my  opinion,  I  now  consider  it  incum- 
brnt  on  me  to  propose  the  erection  of  a  monumental  memorial,  il- 
lustrative of  the  deep  impressions  which  his  heroic  services  have 
made  upon  the  people  of  this  state. 

On  this  occasion,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  present  to  your 
notice  the  case  of  the  orphan  children  of  Robert  Fulton.  That 
great  mechanician,  after  having  perfected  the  most  useful  inven- 
tion of  the  age,  departed  this  life,  leaving  nothing  to  his  children 
but  an  illustrious  name  and  his  interest  in  a  grant  of  this  state.  De- 
prived of  the  benefits  of  that  grant,  they  are  now  thrown  almost 
destitute  on  the  world.  Justice,  equity,  magnanimity  and  bene- 
volence speak  loudly  in  their  favor  :  and  it  is  now  in  your  power, 
by  a  recognition  ©f  the  services  and  claims  of  that  benefactor  of 
the  world,  to  rescue,  so  far  as  you  are  concerned,  republican  go- 
vernments from  a  standing  reproach. 

It  is  advisable  for  you  to  turn  your  attention  to  the  serious  acci- 
dents which  have  occurred  in  the  navigation  of  steam-boats,  and 
to  the  dangers  to  which  they  are  exposed  from  the  absence  of  a 
fixed  rule  in  relation  to  their  passing  each  other.  The  application 
of  the  law  of  the  road  to  steam-boats,  and  the  adoption  of  judicious 
precautionary  measures  for  the  safety  of  travellers,  whether  by 
land  or  by  water,  are  subjects  well  worthy  of  your  attention. 

The  protection  which  this  state  has  always  afforded  to  our  red 
brethren,  reflects  honor  on  humanity.  Several  of  them  greatly  for 
their  benefit,  have  removed  to  their  recently  acquired  territor\' 
in  the  vicinity  of  Lake  Michigan,  while  others  manifest  an  intention 
to  remain  in  their  present  possessions.  I  regret  to  state  that  the 
St.  Regis  Indians  have  been  convulsed  by  party  spirit,  which  has 
produced  contested  elections  for  trustees,  and  difficulties  in  the 
payment  of  their  annuities. 

I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  recommendations  which  I  had  the 
honor  to  present  to  the  legislature  the  last  session,  and  which  were 
not  conclusively  acted  on,  and  particularly  to  the  amendments  pro- 
posed to  the  cohstitution,  respecting  the  elective  franchise,  and 
the  choice  of  justices  of  the  peace  by  the  people. 

While  it  is  our  imperative  duty  to  support  the  national  govern- 
ment in  all  its  constitutional  functions  and  patriotic  demonstrations, 
we  are  equally  bound  to  sustain  the  just  rights  and  legitimate  au- 
thorities of  the  state.  The  one  is  intimately  blended  with  our 
power  and  safety,  and  the  other  is  identified  with  the  preservation 


•       17  * 

of  free  government .  They  are  component  and  essential  parti  of 
the  same  magnificent  system,  and  the  pillars  cannot  be  destroyed 
without  a  subversion  of  the  whole  edifice. 

I  have  thus,  fellow  citizens,  in  obedience  to  the  mandate  of  the 
constitution,  communicated  the  condition  of  the  state,  and  recom- 
mended such  matters  to  you  as  I  have  judged  expedient.  It  may 
be  proper  to  observe,  that  as  I  intend  to  shrink  from  no  just  re- 
sponsibility, and  mean  to  be  explicitly  understood  by  our  constitu- 
ents and  their  representatives,  I  have  not  clothed  my  recommen- 
dations in  ambiguous  phrases  and  general  terms,  but  have  been  as 
precise,  as  specific,  and  as  detailed  as  a  full  and  comprehensive  view 
of  the  subjects  submitted,  requires  ;  and  I  am  fully  persuaded,  that 
in  pursuing  this  course,  which  every  public  servant  owes  to  the 
source  ot  all  legitimate  authority,  the  errors  of  the  understanding 
will  meet  with  that  liberal  reception  which  is  due  to  the  purity  of 
the  motives  The  same  impressive  considerations  in  relation  to  the 
honor,  the  dignity,  the  tranquillity  and  the  prosperity  of  the  state, 
which  induced  me  at  the  last  session  to  inculcate  conciliation  and 
harmony,  and  the  union  of  all  heads,  all  hearts  and  all  hands  in  fa- 
vor of  the  best  interests  of  our  country,  exist  still  in  undiminished 
force.  The  moderation  and  good  feelings  which  now  so  generally 
prevail  are  the  harbingers  of  a  better  state  of  things,  which  must 
eventually  terminate  in  the  restoration  of  that  character,  and  of 
that  just  share  of  influence  which  have  been  greatly  impaired  by 
our  intestine  divisions  ;  and  I  assure  5'^ou  that  nothing  will  afford 
me  higher  satisfaction  than  to  furnish  in  my  own  conduct,  a  prncti- 
cal  illustration  of  the  salutary  and  predominating  influence  of  these 
high  and  momentous  considerations. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON. 

Albany,  January  3,  182f>. 


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